The best peony varieties combine strong stems, reliable bloom, and distinctive flower form. Garden peonies are long-lived perennials that can flower for decades when planted correctly. Most modern garden cultivars are herbaceous types derived from Paeonia lactiflora, hardy in USDA Zone 3 to 8. If you are new to growing them, see this guide on how to grow peonies for planting depth, soil preparation, and bloom timing.
Top 20 peony varieties
Below are 20 of the most widely grown peony varieties, with details to help you choose the right cultivar for your garden.
Sarah Bernhardt peony
Sarah Bernhardt peony is one of the most planted pink peonies in North America. Introduced in 1906, it remains popular for its large, fully double blooms in soft rose pink with occasional raspberry flecks. Flowers are 6 to 8 inches wide and strongly fragrant.
Plants grow about 34 inches tall with sturdy stems, though mature clumps benefit from support in windy sites. It blooms in late spring, often around May 25 to June 10 in USDA Zone 5. This cultivar is dependable, long-lived, and well suited to cutting gardens.
Coral Charm peony
Coral Charm peony is an early-blooming semi-double known for its clear coral color. Buds open deep salmon and fade to peach and ivory as the flowers age. The color change adds interest over a week of bloom.
Plants reach 30 to 36 inches tall with strong stems that rarely flop. It blooms about 7 to 10 days before midseason pink varieties, often around May 15 to May 25 in USDA Zone 5. Coral Charm is valued for landscape impact and cut flower production.
Karl Rosenfield peony
Karl Rosenfield peony is a classic double red introduced in 1908. The blooms are rich crimson with tightly packed petals and little visible stamen. Flowers measure 5 to 6 inches across and hold their color well.
Plants grow 30 to 34 inches tall and bloom in midseason. This cultivar is reliable in cold climates and performs well in USDA Zone 3 to 8. It is often chosen for mass planting because the color reads clearly from a distance.
Sorbet peony
Sorbet peony is known for its layered, tri-colored blooms. Outer petals are soft pink, the center petaloids are creamy white, and inner petals return to blush pink. The effect resembles a stacked dessert.
Plants grow about 34 inches tall and bloom in midseason. Stems are moderate in strength and may need staking in rich soil. Sorbet suits mixed borders where varied petal color adds contrast among solid pink or white varieties.
Festiva Maxima peony
Festiva Maxima peony is a historic white cultivar introduced in 1851. Large double flowers are bright white with small crimson flecks on select inner petals. The blooms are strongly fragrant and widely used for cutting.
Plants reach 32 to 36 inches tall and bloom in early to midseason. This variety tolerates cold winters and is hardy in USDA Zone 3 to 8. It pairs well with red cultivars for traditional late spring displays.
Bowl of Beauty peony
Bowl of Beauty peony is an anemone-form cultivar with wide rose-pink guard petals and a center of creamy yellow petaloids. The contrasting center remains visible as the flower opens fully.
Plants grow 30 to 34 inches tall and bloom in midseason. Stems are upright and generally hold flowers well. This variety works well in perennial borders where single and double forms are mixed for textural contrast.
Shirley Temple peony
Shirley Temple peony opens blush pink and matures to ivory white. Fully double flowers are rounded and fragrant, often reaching 6 inches across.
Plants grow 30 to 36 inches tall and bloom in early midseason. Stems are reasonably strong, though support may help in rainy weather. It is commonly planted in cutting gardens for wedding season blooms.
Kansas peony
Kansas peony is a bright rose-pink double introduced in 1940. The flowers are vivid and hold their color without fading. It received the American Peony Society Gold Medal for garden performance.
Plants reach about 34 inches tall with strong stems that rarely require staking. It blooms in midseason and performs well in USDA Zone 3 to 8. Kansas is often chosen for its combination of color intensity and sturdy habit.
Coral Sunset peony
Coral Sunset peony is a semi-double coral cultivar with bright golden stamens. The flowers open salmon-coral and fade to apricot and cream over several days.
Plants grow 30 to 36 inches tall and bloom early, often alongside Coral Charm. Stems are strong and upright. It is well suited to gardeners seeking warm tones that stand out against cool pink varieties.
Bartzella peony
Bartzella peony is an intersectional, or Itoh, hybrid known for large, clear yellow flowers with red flares at the base of the petals. Blooms are semi-double to double and lightly fragrant.
Plants grow 30 to 36 inches tall and wide with sturdy stems and finely cut foliage. Bloom time is mid to late season. Unlike traditional herbaceous types, Itoh peonies combine strong stems with the foliage quality of tree peonies.
Red Charm peony
Red Charm peony produces large, bomb-type double flowers in deep velvet red. Blooms can reach 6 to 7 inches across and hold their shape well.
Plants grow about 32 inches tall with strong stems. It blooms early to midseason and is hardy in USDA Zone 3 to 8. Red Charm is widely grown for dramatic color and reliable performance.
Raspberry Sundae peony
Raspberry Sundae peony features layers of pale pink and creamy white petals stacked into a rounded double bloom. The color is soft rather than bright.
Plants reach 30 to 34 inches tall and bloom in midseason. Stems are moderate and may benefit from staking. This cultivar fits well in pastel-themed gardens.
Pink Hawaiian Coral peony
Pink Hawaiian Coral peony is an early semi-double with coral-pink petals and a bright golden center. Flowers gradually fade to soft apricot.
Plants grow 32 to 36 inches tall with sturdy stems. Bloom time is early midseason. It is valued for strong stems and a clean, open flower form that shows off the stamens.
Alexander Fleming peony
Alexander Fleming peony produces large, fully double blooms in warm pink with a strong fragrance. Flowers are rounded and densely petaled.
Plants grow about 36 inches tall and bloom in mid to late season. It tolerates light afternoon shade better than some cultivars, though full sun produces the heaviest bloom.
Duchesse de Nemours peony
Duchesse de Nemours peony is a long-established white variety introduced in 1856. Double blooms open creamy and mature to clear white with a light green sheen at the base.
Plants reach 30 to 34 inches tall and bloom in midseason. The fragrance is strong and sweet. This cultivar is often selected for formal gardens and cut flower use.
Felix Crousse peony
Felix Crousse peony is a double red with bright magenta undertones. Blooms are full and rounded, with little visible center.
Plants grow 30 to 34 inches tall and bloom in midseason. Stems are moderately strong. It performs well in USDA Zone 3 to 8 and provides saturated color in mixed borders.
Edulis Superba peony
Edulis Superba peony is an early double pink introduced in the 19th century. Flowers are bright rose pink with a noticeable fragrance.
Plants grow about 30 inches tall and bloom early to midseason. It is reliable and hardy in USDA Zone 3 to 8. This cultivar is often planted for early color in traditional perennial beds.
Gardenia peony
Gardenia peony produces creamy white double blooms that resemble gardenia flowers in form. The petals are broad and softly ruffled.
Plants reach 30 to 34 inches tall and bloom in midseason. Stems are reasonably sturdy and suitable for cutting. The neutral flower color blends easily with pink and red cultivars.
Buckeye Belle peony
Buckeye Belle peony is a semi-double red with a ring of golden stamens at the center. The petals are deep crimson with a satin finish.
Plants grow 30 to 32 inches tall and bloom in early midseason. Stems are strong and upright. This cultivar is well regarded for combining dark color with a visible center.
Henry Bockstoce peony
Henry Bockstoce peony produces very large, fully double blooms in dark red. Flowers can exceed 7 inches across under good growing conditions.
Plants grow 34 to 36 inches tall and bloom in midseason. Due to the size of the flowers, staking is often helpful. It is valued for dramatic bloom size and rich color.
Big list of peony varieties
This alphabetical list includes over 200 named peony cultivars. Most are herbaceous types suited to USDA Zone 3 to 8. Bloom time varies from early May 10 to May 20 through late June 5 to June 20 in USDA Zone 5, depending on the cultivar and seasonal weather. Use the detailed profiles above to compare flower form, height, and bloom timing when selecting plants for your garden.
Big list of peony varieties
Here is the big list of 200+ herbaceous peonies, sorted alphabetically. They come in a variety of colours from light pink, with yellow stamens to pure white petals with strong stems. Some of them have a sweet fragrance, with fragrant flowers while others do not.
- Abalone Pearl Peony
- Abalone Pink Peony
- Adrienne Clarkson Peony
- Aegean Peony
- Afterglow Peony
- Age of Gold Peony
- Age of Victoria Peony
- Alertie Peony
- Alexander Woollcott Peony
- America Peony
- Angel Cheeks Peony
- Ann Cousins Peony
- Avalanche Peony
- Bad Rappenau Peony
- Baroness Schroeder Peony
- Bashful Queen Peony
- Belgravia Peony
- Bella Donna Peony
- Benjamin Franklin Peony
- Black Beauty Peony
- Blanco Royale Peony
- Blush Queen Peony
- Bouquet Perfect Peony
- Bowl of Beauty Peony
- Bowl of Cream Peony
- Break O’Day Peony
- Bridal Gown Peony
- Bridal Shower Peony
- Buckeye Belle Peony
- Burma Ruby Peony
- Butter Bowl Peony
- Candy Stripe Peony
- Catharina Fontijn Peony
- Celebrity Peony
- Cherry Hill Peony
- Chiffon Parfait Peony
- Chocolate Soldier Peony
- Cincinnati Peony
- Claire de Lune Peony
- Class Act Peony
- Command Performance Peony
- Comtesse de Tudor Peony
- Copper King Peony
- Coral Charm Peony
- Coral Fay Peony
- Coral Nebula Peony
- Coral n’Gold Peony
- Coral Sunset Peony
- Coral Supreme Peony
- Crazy 4Ever Peony
- Cytherea Peony
- Dad Peony
- Dawn Pink Peony
- Daystar Peony
- Delaware Chief Peony
- Diana Parks Peony
- Dinner Plate Peony
- Dixon’s Dream Peony
- Do Tell Peony
- Doreen Peony
- Dr. Alexander Fleming Peony
- Dragon’s Nest Peony
- Duchesse de Nemours Peony
- Duchesse d’Orleans Peony
- Dutch Dwarf Peony
- Early Glow Peony
- Early Windflower Peony
- Eden’s Perfume Peony
- Edna’s Wish Peony
- Edulis Superba Peony
- Elise McKenna Peony
- Eliza Lundy Peony
- Ellen Cowley Peony
- Emily Debatene Peony
- Enchanted Peony
- Ethed Salmon Peony
- Fairy’s Petticoat Peony
- Faithful Dream Peony
- Fancy Nancy Peony
- Farzana Peony
- Felix Crousse Peony
- Felix Supreme Peony
- Fernleaf Peony
- Festiva Maxima Peony
- Flame Peony
- Florence Nicholls Peony
- Francois Ortegat Peony
- Garden Peace Peony
- Gardenia Peony
- Gay Paree Peony
- Ghislaine Brosseau Peony
- Goldilocks Peony
- Good Karma Peony
- Green Halo Peony
- G’Day Mate Peony
- Haung Jin Lun Peony
- Helen Matthews Peony
- Henry Bockstoce Peony
- Hermione Peony
- Highlights Peony
- Honey Gold Peony
- Illini Warrior Peony
- Jan van Leeuwen Peony
- Jeanne d’Arc Peony
- Joker Peony
- Josette Peony
- Kansas Peony
- Karen Gray Peony
- Karine Duval Peony
- Karl Rosenfield Peony
- Kelway’s Glorious Peony
- Kirinmaru Peony
- Koppius Peony
- Krinkled White Peony
- Lady Alexandra Duff Peony
- Lady Liberty Peony
- Lancaster Imp Peony
- Late Windflower Peony
- Laura Dessert Peony
- Lavender Baby Peony
- Le Cygne Peony
- Lemon Chiffon Peony
- Lois Kelsey Peony
- Lonesome Dove Peony
- Lora Peony
- Lorelei Peony
- Louise Lossing Peony
- Maestro Peony
- Manitowoc Maiden Peony
- Marie Fischer Peony
- Marie Jacquin Peony
- Marie Lemoine Peony
- Mariechen Peony
- Mary Jo Legare Peony
- Minni Shaylor Peony
- Miss America Peony
- Mme. Calot Peony
- Monsieur Jules Elie Peony
- Moon Over Barrington Peony
- Moon River Peony
- Mother’s Choice Peony
- Mutabilis Plena Peony
- Myrtle Gentry Peony
- Nellie Saylor Peony
- Nick Shaylor Peony
- Nikita Peony
- Nippon Beauty Peony
- Nippon Brilliant Peony
- Nordic Paradox Peony
- Nova Peony
- Officinalis Anemoniflora Rosea Peony
- Old Faithful Peony
- Orange Cup Peony
- Pecher Peony
- Peter Brand Peony
- Petite Elegance Peony
- Pico Peony
- Picotee Peony
- Pink Choice Peony
- Pink Hawaiian Coral Peony
- Plainsman Peony
- Postilion Peony
- Prairie Afire Peony
- Prairie Moon Peony
- President Lincoln Peony
- Primevere Peony
- Prince of Darkness Peony
- Quality Folk Peony
- Rachel Peony
- Rare China Peony
- Raspberry Sundae Peony
- Raspberry Charm Peony
- Red Charm Peony
- Red Goddess Peony
- Red Grace Peony
- Red Rock Canyon Peony
- Red Sarah Bernhardt Peony
- Riches & Fame Peony
- Rienzi Peony
- Romantic Elegance Peony
- Rosaurea Peony
- Roselette’s Child Peony
- Roy Pehrson’s Best Yellow Peony
- Salmon Beauty Peony
- Salmon Dream Peony
- Sarah Bernhardt Peony
- Scarlett O’Hara Peony
- Sea Shell Peony
- Seeing Blue Peony
- Shannon Peony
- Shaylor’s Sunburst Peony
- Shirley Temple Peony
- Silvia Saunders Peony
- Sister Margaret Peony
- Sky Dance Peony
- Soft Salmon Saucer Peony
- Solange Peony
- Sorbet Peony
- Spellbinder Peony
- Spring Sun Peony
- Strawberry Blush Peony
- Summer Glow Peony
- Sunset Flash Peony
- Sweet Lemonade Peony
- Sword Dance Peony
- The Fawn Peony
- The Mighty Mo Peony
- Top Brass Peony
- Top Hat Peony
- Triton Peony
- Victoire de la Marne Peony
- Viking Chief Peony
- Vivid Rose Peony
- Westerner Peony
- White Cap Peony
- White Wings Peony
- Whitleyi Peony
- Wild Lactiflora Peony
- Wonderous Crinkle Peony
- Wonderous Linen Peony
- Wonderous Secret Peony
- Wonderous White Peouy
- Zemina Peony
- Zlatiko Peony
Wow! That’s a lot of different peonies to plant!
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